How old do you have to be to get a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)? Can an 18-year-old get a CDL and become a truck driver?
The answer is simple and complicated. Yes, the minimum age to earn a CDL is 18. But the government puts limits on what you can do at that age.
You can get a CDL at age 18, but…
Yes, the US Department of Transportation (DOT) allows qualified 18-year-olds to apply for Class A and B licenses, but young drivers face strict limits on where they can drive.
Anyone under 21 who holds a CDL may only drive a commercial vehicle within the state where the license was issued. For example, if you earn your CDL in Louisiana, you can legally work as a truck driver in the state, but you cannot drive across state lines.
CDL Eligibility for Young Drivers: What You Can and Can’t Do
Starting a career as a commercial truck driver begins with learning the rules of the road. Young drivers who want to start their career before turning 21 don’t have full driving privileges and are restricted until they come of age.
Intrastate vs. Interstate Driving Rules
With travel restrictions for drivers under 21, some young drivers take jobs driving trucks for local delivery, city work, and regional hauling, which allow them to stay in-state on local roads, complying with laws and regulations.
While these opportunities aren’t always as lucrative as a full-time over-the-road truck driving job, they do allow younger drivers to gain experience behind the wheel of a big truck, helping them develop driving skills they can use in their careers.
Why 21 is the Magic Number for Interstate Driving
Driving a truck is a job of great responsibility and importance. A collision that would be a fender bender in a regular car or truck could be serious in a tractor-trailer. In a big truck, driving experience is critical for safety. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) prioritizes truck driver safety.
Data shows younger drivers have more accidents in all types of vehicles. Drivers must have the experience and skills to operate their vehicles safely, with a level of maturity and safety that most people under 21 just don’t have.
Many trucking companies insist on 5 years or more of clean driving records before they’ll hire you.
Preparing for a Trucking Career Before Age 21
Commercial drivers age 18 to 21 can develop driving skills and position themselves for a successful career as a truck driver with a Class B or C CDL. These jobs allow them to build foundational skills they can build on later, making the process of becoming an over-the-road truck driver a little smoother.
For example, younger truck drivers can find work in roles like:
- Dump Truck Driver: Hauling dirt, gravel, or debris for construction or waste management companies.
- Local Delivery Driver: For food, beverage, furniture, or parcel companies operating within state lines.
- Farm/Agricultural Hauling: Moving crops, livestock, or feed within farming areas.
- Warehouse/Yard Driver (Spotter): Moving trailers around a facility, often a great entry point.
- Construction Driver: Operating trucks for material transport at job sites.
- Shuttle Driver: Transporting people or goods between local facilities.
Passing the DOT Physical
Passing the DOT physical exam is required before you can earn a CDL or enroll in a truck driving school. Driving a truck requires a certain level of physical health, and the DOT ensures a driver meets those requirements. The DOT medical exam measures vision, hearing, blood pressure, and overall health, so you can be sure you can handle the physical requirements of driving a truck.
A DOT physical certification stays valid for up to 24 months. Good nutrition, regular exercise, and regular checkups will help you stay fit for your original exam and future renewals.
Avoid Drugs
The commercial driving industry has zero tolerance for substance use. You must pass a drug test to get a CDL, plus pass random testing throughout your career. Federal regulations ban commercial drivers from using substances like marijuana, even in states where they’re legal. Since alcohol use under 21 is illegal nationwide, staying completely substance-free makes perfect sense.
Keep a Clean Driving and Criminal Record
Because of the hazards associated with hauling heavy loads, commercial drivers are held to higher standards than other motorists. Even minor traffic violations can negatively affect career prospects. Most companies won’t hire drivers with more than 2-3 moving violations in the past 3 years. Criminal convictions can also limit your job options, especially when you’re in safety-sensitive positions.
Drivers take pride in their safe driving records, making safety a professional badge of honor in the trucking industry.
Planning the Path to a CDL Career
Your path to commercial driving requires careful planning, especially if you’re under 21 and want to maximize future opportunities.
Enroll in a CDL Training Program
Several training paths await aspiring drivers. CDL programs can help young drivers develop the skills they need to earn a commercial license and can help graduates find work at trucking or logistics companies.
Explore the Safe Driver Apprenticeship Program
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) Safe Driver Apprenticeship Program allows qualified 18–20-year-olds with intrastate restrictions to drive interstate routes under the supervision of experienced mentors. Young drivers can build interstate experience through this three-year pilot program during their probationary period.
What Truck Drivers Can Expect When They Turn 21
Once you turn 21, drivers with a Class A CDL can pursue jobs that include interstate driving and earn endorsements that can increase the money they make. Companies value drivers with proven safety records, so keeping a safe driving history is important.
Conclusion
Commercial truck driving opens opportunities for young adults starting at age 18. Drivers who start their CDL path before age 21 build experience, credentials, and professional networks, setting themselves up for success. Commercial driving isn’t just a job; it’s a career path that offers competitive pay and open road freedom. Young drivers who understand and work within these age requirements can start rewarding careers earlier than most expect.
Start building real driving experience early. Train for your CDL with Diesel Driving Academy.
FAQs
How can someone prepare for a trucking career before turning 21?
If you can earn a CDL before you turn 21, you can take steps to prepare for your career. Focus on:
- Maintaining good health to pass the DOT physical
- Avoiding drugs
- Keeping a clean driving record
- Local delivery or utility jobs within their state.
What opportunities are available for 18- to 20-year-olds in the trucking industry?
While restricted from interstate driving until age 21, 18- to 20-year-olds can work as:
- Dock workers for less-than-truckload (LTL) companies
- Drivers for local logistics companies
- Equipment operators for construction or agricultural companies
- Safe Driver Apprentices to receive supervised interstate experience.
What can a driver expect when they turn 21 in terms of career opportunities
Upon reaching 21, drivers can engage in interstate commerce and cross state lines with a CDL. Experienced drivers at this age can earn a steady income. Companies prioritize hiring drivers with proven safety records, making experience gained during the 18- to 20-year period valuable.